In 2007, I launched an e-commerce business and joined the Military Spouse Business Association, tapping into its membership directory to connect with local entrepreneurs. That is how I stumbled into a volunteer role that changed my purpose. The organization linked military and veteran spouses with entrepreneurial goals, offering support and, later, grants that transformed lives. Seeing those dollars spark real change lit a new path for me – I wanted to help these entrepreneurs thrive. A big win came when the co-founders of the Military Spouse Business Association, by raising residency concerns to state officials, launched the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act, which our coalition team – fueled by thousands of supporters I helped rally – pushed into law in 2009. That experience didn’t just seed my passion for military spouse entrepreneurs – it rooted my commitment to our community.

Over a decade with the Military Spouse Business Association, I served as a board member and later Operations Director, honing my skills like leadership and advocacy that earned a spot in my resume’s “Experience” section. I checked with military spouses and professional resume experts, who agreed – these roles deserved prominence, proving volunteer work can match any salaried role.

After moving back to the East Coast in 2017, I struggled mentally as my husband came off what his military orders called “arduous sea duty.” Yet, while job hunting, I turned to volunteering again – this time as a caseworker helping military and veteran families with financial education and resources. That role opened my eyes to another community need, leading to an AmeriCorps opportunity. My contracts there sharpened my financial counseling skills while deepening my understanding of entrepreneurial paths for military spouses. Each step built new expertise and fueled my passion for military spouse entrepreneurs.

In 2018, I joined the Society of Military Spouses in STEM, eager to connect with fellow spouses in STEM fields. Listing my interest in volunteering on my application led me to become the Membership Application Manager. I have sharpened skills in cross-team collaboration and data management – vital for any career. Then, during COVID-19, I lost my paid job, which crushed my spirit, but I pivoted back to volunteering as a financial caseworker in our area. The role earned me hours toward my AFC® certification while reigniting my purpose. Both roles steadied me as my family braced for an overseas move, proving volunteer work can anchor you through uncertainty.

My first LinkedIn article traces the highs and lows of my employment journey in Belgium, where I also launched a Facebook page, “Championing for Military Spouse Employment.” My second article reveals how volunteering with a Veteran-owned business led to referrals, giving me the flexibility of having a business at home. In my third article, I argued that flexible work is a necessity for military spouses – a belief born from my volunteer roles. Together, they built skills like advocacy, client support, and strategic planning, which I now offer to my clients, turning passion into a paycheck.

Military spouses, what volunteer gigs changed your life? Employers, would you hire someone whose passion shines through unpaid work? Let’s dive into how volunteering can shape careers.

Originally published on LinkedIn on February 24, 2025. [Read it here]